They were known as Christian Horizons but after some research the organization which provides services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is now Karis Disability Services.
They are Canada’s largest developmental services provider with facilities in Saskatchewan and Ontario.
CEO Janet Noel-Annable explains that they received feedback that some people felt the name Christian Horizons was a barrier.
“It was confusing for some, and some people felt they weren’t welcome, for some reason.”
The name comes from the Greek work Karis which can be translated as grace and loving-kindness.
Noel-Annable adds that some may think using the word “disability” in the name might be questionable because at one point it was considered to be politically incorrect.
After speaking with people with lived experience and advocates, Noel-Annable says they were told they want to own the word disability and not let it define them as a person.
Karis Disability Services has programs and services in Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Waldheim, Prince Albert, North Battleford and Warman.